St. Mary's Celebrates 100 Years!

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, the popular Catholic parish on Bean Avenue in downtown Los Gatos, is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year having been established in September of 1912.

To honor the momentous occasion, the Los Gatos Town Council this week presented the church a commendation in appreciation for all the faith group has done to bless the lives of those living in town.

According to the commendation, St. Mary's, as it's commonly called, began with 442 members and during the past 100 years has provided a place of worship, learning, gathering and growing for many who are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Town leaders acknowledged that the church is a sanctuary where families gather to "share joyous and the sorrowful events of life."

St. Mary's parishioners give of themselves, volunteering their time, talents and treasure not only in their community but outside organizations such as the Working Boys Center in Ecuador, Handicapables, Sacred Heart Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, and future support for Our Lady of Refuge Parish, the commendation said.

Today, St. Mary’s has more than 2,000 families on its rolls, which includes its longest living parishioner, Dolores Juarez Cairns, who just celebrated her 104th birthday, town officials said.

St. Mary's established a committee to plan and coordinate various events throughout the year to celebrate its centennial. This weekend's Country Fair is scheduled for Oct. 5-7 and is especially meaningful for the church.

The event will feature fun family activities such as carnival rides, country shopping, dancing, food booths, Butler Rides, a talent show, entertainment and more.

Details: Lisa Fanslau and Anne Milligan, 408-354-3944.